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“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots. ”
Additional Info:
Text Type: Speech
Difficulty Level: Medium–Medium to Difficult
Grade Level: 8
Skill Focus: Analyzing central ideas, tone, and persuasive language in a historical speech; Students will analyze how an author uses words and rhetoric to express ideas, emotions, and arguments in a historical context.
Standards & Strands
CCSS (Grade 8):
RI.8.1 – Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly and implicitly.
RI.8.2 – Determine a central idea and analyze its development over the text.
RI.8.6 – Determine an author’s point of view or purpose and analyze how it is conveyed.
CEFR:
B1+ – Can understand the main ideas and details of authentic historical texts and identify opinions and attitudes.
ACARA (Australian Curriculum):
ACELY1732 – Interpret and analyze how language features shape meaning and perspectives.
ACELT1625 – Understand how historical and cultural contexts influence texts.
Cambridge (Lower Secondary / IGCSE bridge skills):
Reading AO1 – Demonstrate understanding of explicit and implicit meanings.
Reading AO2 – Analyze language, form, and structure to understand meaning.
This Grade 8 worksheet on “Words Do Not Pay” by Chief Joseph helps students analyze a historical speech using critical reading skills. Aligned with CCSS, CEFR B1+, ACARA, and Cambridge standards, it guides learners to identify central ideas, interpret tone, and evaluate the author’s purpose. The worksheet includes three differentiated practice sections—Try This, Challenge Yourself, and Push Your Limits—to gradually develop skills in textual analysis, rhetorical understanding, and historical context. An answer key is provided for all exercises, making it ideal for classroom use or independent study.
